Browns beauties

For fashion lovers worldwide, Browns boutique in London is a seminal shopping destination. Founded by the legendary Joan Burstein (aka Mrs B.) and her husband Sidney in 1970, it started as a small boutique on the ground floor at 27 South Molton Street and now spreads through five connecting townhouses. The visionary Mrs B. is credited with discovering John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and Commes des Garcons. "We buy only pieces we like, we edit tremendously," she says. 
(Thanks to RunningInHeels for the picture.) 

Across the street is Browns Focus, which "is targeted at the sophisticated, cutting edge market." And a few doors down is the less talked about but utterly addictive Browns Labels for Less, which – well, you can imagine what that's all about.

On a recent weekend back in London I went to pay hommage at the South Molton Street shrine and came away with these:

These are Burberry Aviator stiletto clogs. The uppers are dusty tan leather tough enough to saddle a pony. The hefty lug soles are girded about with a stippled shiny band of something that looks like duct tape. The heel is a cool five inches of graphite attitude. Swoons.

 Burberry's Aviator boots were the hit of last winter's season, but these still feel exciting for the coming fall. Somehow I picture myself wearing them with stirrup pants and a Tom Ford cable-knit sweater in Cortina d'Ampezzo, channelling Claudia Cardinale in The Pink Panther whilst Tyler Brulé whips us up a fondue Vaudoise. Schnapps anyone?